2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

The new 2016 4C Spider is based on the 2014 4C, but now comes with a range of new updates. We are a bit disappointed that Alfa Romeo didn’t change too much about the exterior. That is certainly something that’s enjoyable to see on new vehicles, especially the ones that don’t come out too often. However, the 2014 4C was of course a masterly automotive creation, so the lack of redesign is not too grave after all. In terms of looks, the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is good to go for a few years. The very modern 2014 4C was futuristic at the time, using all trendy styling cues available. That always means a design is ready to roll for a few model years before the public gets bored.

Under the hood, many more changes have been made. The car is heavier due to added materials to retain the car’s rigidity.

Exterior design

As usual, let’s start with discussing the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spiders exterior. Here not much is to be said since most of the 2014 4C returns on the Spider. The front of the car is practically unchanged. The grille, lower air vents and creased hood are all carried over from the 2014 4C. The headlights were updated, they now look more conventional in contrast to the bug-eye headlights of the 2014 4C. The latter really finish the 911 appearance on the 4C Spider, compare the 4C Spider to the 2017 Porsche 911R supercar exterior front, side and rear.

The exhaust system has been changed slightly as well. It is now made from titanium and has carbon tips. Finally, the rear decklid and roof design have been altered to accommodate the new removable soft top roof. The 2014 4C has a permanent roof.

Other new elements are additional wheel options for the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, the standard wheels are also different. The Competizione rims (18 and 19 inch) are still available at a premium. New are the Competizione Titanium (18 and 19 inch) and Sport Spider Titanio (17 and 18 inch). Many of these wheel options are also found on the classic Italian rear wheel driven 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan .

There are seven exterior colours to choose from, all the same as the 2014 4C’s, except for one. That’s Giallo, a bright yellow colour and has a premium price of €3000 ($3000).

Interior design

When comparing pictures of the 2014 4C interior with that of the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider you hardly see any difference. There is more carbon-fiber visible as Alfa Romeo used less material to cover it up. There are also some new leather elements, a small detail on this interior. The rest of the cockpit is essentially the same. The steering wheel is still the same design, with a straight lower side instead of a perfectly round circle. The center stack has a luxurious infotainment screen and is directed towards the driver.

Another new element is the Alpine sound system. The interior has a range of five different interior colour combinations, of which most of are leather. One option is plain black cloth seatings and although the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is a luxury vehicle, it is nice they offer this option.

Engine specs

What’s important in this lovely little convertible is of course the engine. The 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider uses a 1.75 liter turbocharged inline four cylinder engine. It applies direct injection with a double continuous variable valve timing. The total amount of HP amounts to 240 and the engine power is put on the road through an automatic transmission. A TCT automatic twin-dry-clutch with paddle shifters to be precise.

Tech specs

A new feature on the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is Alfa Romeo’s DNA software. This feature offers the driver three different driving modes – Dynamic, Natural, All Weather and Race. The different modes select the best balances in torque division among the wheels and engine settings. As a result, every driving mode offers the best possible driving experience.

Also standard is Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming. Cruise Control and rear parking sensors are free additional options.

Price and sale date

The 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is available for sale across Europe. European prices start at €72,000 without options (Germany). US prices start at $63,900 and the car will be in dealerships this October.